Neither can I. What makes you think no one else does?
FYI, firearms are not permitted in GSMNP. That is not unusual for national parks, especially the most heavily used. Nor are firearms necessary there, as eastern black bear attacks on humans are EXTREMELY rare -- esp. in GSMNP.
Your smugness quotient is off the charts.
Wasn’t too rare in the kids case, was it?
Whether someone carries is personal choice, however other than designated structures, firearms in National Parks are governed by state law. If you can carry in TN/NC, both reasonable states in terms of reciprocity, you can carry in the park. Other state regulations regarding possession of firearms would apply.
It's still a federal crime to discharge your weapon, and people have been charged with that after stopping near fatal attacks.
FYI, as of 2010 it’s legal to carry in National Parks.
http://www.nps.gov/grsm/learn/management/lawsandpolicies.htm